countyscore
49
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.6Schools 76.1Disaster Risk 67

County Report Card

About Blanco County, Texas

Nearly Meeting National Standards

Blanco County earns a 49.0 composite score, nearly matching the national median of 50.0. It is a highly competitive rural county on a national scale.

Outperforming the Texas Average

The county sits well above the Texas state average of 41.9. Its combination of high income and quality education makes it one of the premier locations in the Hill Country.

Wealthy Households and Great Schools

Blanco County features a stellar income score of 90.6 with a median income of $87,564. Residents also benefit from a high school score of 76.1 and a moderate tax rate of 1.043%.

Water Scarcity and High Entry Costs

Water access is a critical challenge with a score of only 10.2. Furthermore, a median home value of $396,200 leads to a low cost score of 26.8, making it difficult for new buyers to enter the market.

Suited for Affluent Families

This county is perfect for wealthy families seeking top-tier schools and a high-income community. It is best for those who can afford high real estate prices and manage private water solutions.

Score breakdown

Tax34.9Cost26.8Safety58.1Health46.3Schools76.1Income90.6Risk67Water10.2Weather31
🏛34.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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49.1

Nearby counties

Llano County
Texas
47.2
Burnet County
Texas
37.5
Hays County
Texas
22.7
Kendall County
Texas
41.3
Travis County
Texas
37.9
Gillespie County
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45.5
Comal County
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33.9
Williamson County
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43.5

Deep Dives

Blanco County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Blanco County

via TaxByCounty

Blanco County offers low rates

Blanco County's effective tax rate of 1.043% ranks in the 34th percentile nationally, below the U.S. median of 1.276%. Despite high median property values of $396,200—the largest in this sample—residents pay median taxes of $4,134, slightly above the national median of $2,690.

Below-average rate, premium properties

Blanco County's effective rate of 1.043% is well below the Texas state average of 1.276%, yet its median property tax of $4,134 exceeds the state median of $2,193. This Hill Country county attracts affluent buyers seeking low rates on high-value homes.

Best rate for wealthy homeowners

Blanco County's 1.043% rate is second-lowest among this group, beaten only by Bandera (0.940%). However, its median home value of $396,200 is far higher than any peer, making it the choice for upscale buyers wanting tax efficiency.

Higher value, moderate rate

A median home valued at $396,200 in Blanco County generates an estimated annual tax of $4,134. With a mortgage, that climbs to $5,390; without one, it is $3,175.

Even low rates need checking

Blanco County's favorable tax rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments. High-value properties benefit from expert appraisal review; if your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, appeal immediately to secure meaningful savings on already substantial tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Blanco County

via CostByCounty

Blanco defies Hill Country affordability logic

Blanco County renters spend just 12.6% of income on housing—matching Bailey County as one of Texas's most affordable—despite median home values of $396,200. The county's high incomes of $87,564 make expensive homes feel accessible and rents seem bargain-priced.

Best of both worlds in Hill Country

Blanco County ranks among Texas's most affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio, even though median home values place it in the state's priciest tier. The county attracts affluent residents whose incomes dwarf housing costs.

Premium homes, modest monthly burden

Blanco's median rent of $920 is actually lower than Bandera and Bastrop despite home values that exceed both by $150,000+. This reflects a wealthy county where even expensive properties carry manageable monthly payments relative to local incomes.

High income makes homes feel cheap

Blanco's median household income of $87,564 is the highest in this group, and it enables residents to carry $1,271 monthly ownership costs while spending just 12.6% of income on housing. This affluent county operates in a different affordability universe than its neighbors.

Premium Hill Country for high earners

Blanco County offers scenic Hill Country living with excellent affordability metrics—but only if you earn well above median income. If your household income exceeds $87,000 and you prize Texas Hill Country character, Blanco's numbers are genuinely compelling.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blanco County

via IncomeByCounty

Blanco County leads national income rankings

At $87,564, Blanco County's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755 by roughly $12,800, placing it in the top 20% nationally. The county boasts strong earning power and prosperous household economies.

Among Texas's highest-income counties

Blanco County's median household income of $87,564 dramatically exceeds the Texas state average of $64,737 by over $22,800 annually. Among the eight counties examined, Blanco ranks second only to nearby Bastrop and stands among Texas's most affluent counties.

Regional wealth leader in Hill Country

Blanco County's $87,564 median household income tops all peers in this sample, surpassing Bastrop County ($82,730) and Bandera County ($69,703). Its per capita income of $47,358 far exceeds the state average of $33,197, indicating particularly high individual earning capacity.

Lowest housing burden despite premium prices

At 12.6%, Blanco County's rent-to-income ratio is the most favorable in this sample despite the county's premium $396,200 median home value. A household earning $87,564 annually allocates roughly $915 monthly to rent, leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending.

Maximize wealth through strategic investments

With the highest median household income and per capita income in this sample, Blanco County residents enjoy exceptional capacity for wealth accumulation. Focus on diversified investment portfolios, estate planning, and philanthropic strategies to compound the county's considerable economic advantages.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Blanco County

via CrimeByCounty

Quiet and Secure Community

Blanco County is a very safe community, reporting a total crime rate of 964.8 per 100K. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5, earning the county a safety score of 98.5.

Leading the State Standard

With a safety score of 98.5, Blanco County easily outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate is less than half of the statewide average of 2,052.5.

Rural Peace vs. Regional Growth

Blanco County is safer than neighboring Bastrop (1,956.6) but has a slightly higher crime rate than Bandera (845.1). Three local agencies work together to maintain the county's reputation for peace and safety.

Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is low at 189.5 per 100K, which is about half the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 775.3 incidents per 100K, also well below the national mark.

Defending Your Property Simply

Residents can help maintain these low numbers by using automated lighting and securing garage doors. Community awareness is the best defense against property crimes in this quiet county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Blanco County

via HealthByCounty

Blanco County leads region on longevity

At 78.0 years, Blanco County's life expectancy is the highest among the eight counties and exceeds the U.S. average of 73.5 years by 4.5 years. Its 18.6% poor or fair health rate is below the national average of 19.2%, reflecting strong daily health and exceptional longevity.

Blanco dominates Texas health rankings

Blanco County's 78.0-year life expectancy exceeds the Texas state average of 74.3 years by 3.7 years—the largest gap among the eight counties. Its 18.2% uninsured rate is just below the state average of 19.8%, indicating balanced coverage and world-class health outcomes.

Balanced primary care, limited mental health

Blanco County provides 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—solid and competitive—but only 38 mental health providers per 100K, the lowest in the region. Despite this mental health gap, the county still achieves the highest life expectancy.

Coverage and care combine for exceptional health

With 18.2% uninsured and 42 primary care providers per 100,000, Blanco County has strong access to preventive and routine care. This combination likely drives the county's exceptional 78.0-year life expectancy and low 18.6% poor or fair health rate.

Maintain Blanco's health advantage

Blanco County residents should keep coverage current to preserve access to the primary care infrastructure supporting the region's best health outcomes. Uninsured residents should register at Healthcare.gov to secure coverage and join one of Texas's healthiest communities.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Blanco County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schools in the Heart of Texas

Blanco County operates 6 public schools that serve 1,810 students across two main districts. The system is perfectly split with two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. This balanced infrastructure ensures a clear academic path for every student from kindergarten through graduation.

Top-Tier Graduation and Investment

The county excels with a 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state and national averages. Local investment is also strong, with per-pupil expenditure at $7,649, which is higher than the Texas state average of $7,498. This commitment results in a high school score of 58.6, indicating a very healthy academic environment.

Blanco and Johnson City ISD

Blanco ISD is the larger of the two districts, serving 1,088 students, while Johnson City ISD manages 722 students. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning education remains centered around these two pillars of the community. This traditional structure supports a high level of local engagement and school pride.

Purely Rural Learning

All 6 schools in Blanco County are classified as rural, providing a peaceful Hill Country setting for education. The average school size is small at 302 students, with Blanco Elementary being the largest at 487 students. The smallest campus, Blanco Middle, hosts just 246 students, ensuring a personalized touch for all.

Find Your Rural Retreat Near Great Schools

Blanco County is a premier choice for families who want a rural lifestyle paired with exceptional school performance. The high graduation rates and small campus sizes make both Blanco and Johnson City highly desirable for parents. Start exploring local homes to secure your place in one of these top-performing districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Blanco County

via RiskByCounty

Blanco County Ranks Below National Average

Blanco County scores 33.02 on the composite risk index, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below the national average. This Hill Country location enjoys lower-than-typical natural disaster exposure compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Texas's Safest Counties

Blanco County's 33.02 score sits significantly below Texas's state average of 49.00, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk locations. Few Texas counties offer comparable safety across all hazard types.

Safest in the Hill Country

Blanco County's 33.02 score beats neighboring Bandera (66.70) and Burnet counties, making it one of the region's safest locations. Its elevation and distance from major storm tracks provide natural protection.

Wildfire and Flood Are Secondary Concerns

Wildfire risk (74.84) and flood risk (51.43) represent Blanco County's main hazards, reflecting Hill Country terrain and creeks. Tornado risk (41.98) remains moderate, while earthquake risk (1.84) is virtually negligible.

Standard Coverage Meets Most Needs

Blanco County homeowners should maintain standard homeowners coverage with adequate wildfire protection and consider flood insurance near creek areas. Your county's low overall risk means standard policies typically suffice without premium add-ons.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Blanco County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but distinctly southern warmth

Blanco County averages 66.3°F annually, which is about 12 degrees warmer than the national median. This reflects a climate dominated by long, warm seasons.

Consistent with Texas state averages

The county's 66.3°F average temperature is nearly identical to the Texas state average of 65.5°F. It experiences the standard heat and mild winters expected in the region.

Slightly wetter than state norms

Blanco receives 33.0 inches of precipitation annually, just above the state average of 31.9 inches. This helps maintain the scenic Hill Country landscapes that define the area.

Over 100 days of heat

Summer temperatures average 81.8°F, including 103 days that reach 90°F or higher. Winters are mild with a 49.9°F average and negligible snowfall of 0.1 inches.

Focus on summer sun protection

Plan for 103 days of extreme heat by installing solar shades or planting trees. Keep a light jacket for January's 48.1°F average, but leave the heavy snow gear behind.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Blanco County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Soils of Blanco

Blanco County has limited recorded data for its dominant soil pH and taxonomic order in the current survey. While we cannot provide an average pH, the region typically mirrors the alkaline trends of the surrounding Hill Country. These rocky landscapes often feature thin but mineral-dense soil layers.

A Landscape of Varied Textures

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for Blanco County. Local experience suggests a rocky terrain with pockets of clay and loam in the valleys. This lack of data highlights the need for site-specific testing before starting major agricultural projects.

Organic Potential in the Hills

Though specific organic matter and water capacity numbers aren't recorded, the county supports lush native vegetation. Gardeners here typically rely on composting to build up the thin soil layers found on rocky slopes. The natural fertility is evident in the thriving local vineyards and ranchlands.

Managing Water on Rocky Terrain

Drainage and hydrologic data are not currently available for this county's primary soil types. However, the hilly geography suggests that runoff management is a primary concern for any land user. Builders often encounter limestone bedrock near the surface, which dictates drainage patterns.

Vineyard Dreams in Zone 8b

Blanco County sits in hardiness zone 8b, a prime location for Texas viticulture and lavender farming. Even without detailed soil stats, the climate is perfect for drought-hardy Mediterranean plants. Start your Hill Country garden by focusing on native species that don't mind a bit of mystery in the soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Blanco County

via LawnByCounty

Blanco's Rugged Lawn Reality

Blanco County holds one of the lowest lawn scores in the region at 23.2 out of 100. This makes it significantly more difficult than the state average (31.7) and less than half as easy as the national average. Homeowners in Zone 8b face a constant battle against the elements.

Scorching Heat and Moderate Rain

Lawns must survive 103 days of extreme heat and 6,378 growing degree days every year. The 33.0 inches of annual precipitation is near the state average but often falls in intense bursts rather than steady intervals. This climate requires a strategic approach to irrigation to prevent turf burnout.

Navigating Limited Soil Data

While specific soil texture and pH data are unavailable for this county, the rugged Hill Country terrain typically features thin, rocky soils. Growers should prioritize a professional soil test to determine specific nutrient and drainage needs. Adding several inches of topsoil is often required before successful seeding can occur.

A Year of Severe Drought

Blanco County has endured 39 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the county currently in severe conditions. Lawns are likely to enter dormancy without significant supplemental watering during these stretches. Focus on maintaining plant health rather than lush green color during the peak summer months.

Timing the Blanco Bloom

Drought-hardy varieties like Buffalograss or Zoysia are the best bets for this challenging climate. Plan your seeding or sodding for late March, once the last frost risk passes around March 22. Proper species selection is the only way to achieve a sustainable lawn in these difficult conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blanco County's county score?
Blanco County, Texas has a composite county score of 49 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Blanco County rank among counties in Texas?
Blanco County ranks #71 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Blanco County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Blanco County is $4,134, with an effective tax rate of 1.04%. This earns Blanco County a tax score of 34.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blanco County?
The median household income in Blanco County, Texas is $87,564 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blanco County earns an income score of 90.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blanco County, Texas a good place to live?
Blanco County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Blanco County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Blanco County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.